In 1892 Brothers William Lewis, C. C. Parker, and J. H. Wasson were elected Deacons.
On January 5th, 1894, was held the Roll Call of the Church, the number on the roll being 436, 277 resident and 159 non-resident. Of the resident list, while 13 sent word that they were unable to be present through sickness, or absence from the city. Of the non-resident members, 10 reported verbally and 11 by letter.
1895 was a year when as a result of faithful planting of the seed of truth by the pastor and others a large in-gathering occurred. We reported to the Association: “Additions by baptism 77, by letter 20, by experience 2, total 99. Present Membership 461.” At the Communion service in April, 59 new members received the right hand of fellowship.
This year the Convention held its Fiftieth Anniversary with this Church, where it will be recalled its first meeting had been held. Our contributions to the Denominational objects amounted to $902 this year, and in 1897 $1,200. This contrasts favorably with 1887, when only $281 was raised for these objects.
Rev. Louis Duval.
In 1895 Brother Louis was licensed to preach. After completing his course at Acadia University and Newton Theological Seminary, our Brother and his wife went to Africa to labor for the Master. Returning home on furlough in 1909, he remained about nine months, and has since returned to his work in the Great Dark Continent, where he has had the experience of erecting a Church upon this—one of the outposts of the great Master’s Kingdom. His first boy convert is now studying to prepare himself for the ministry to his fellowmen.
Dr. Gates’ Trip to the Orient.
After faithful service with the Church for over twelve years the pastor was granted six months leave of absence to visit the Holy Land, Egypt and Europe. A farewell service was held March 9th, 1898, which was largely attended. An address was presented prepared by Dr. S. McCully Black from which we quote—“We remember tonight with grateful hearts the large blessings which have come to the Church under your ministry; we could call to mind the glad and joyous experience which by the favor of God we have been permitted to enjoy together; the pleasant fellowship which has characterized all our meetings; the blessing of the Sanctuary; the peace and harmony which have prevailed in the Church; the seasons of special blessing which have been enjoyed; the large number that you have been permitted to baptize and welcome to the fellowship of the Church; the enlargement of the Church benevolence and its increasing interest in all our Denominational work; the training of the young; the growth of the Sunday School and of Local Mission work, and the general enlargement of the Church’s activity.” To the address Dr. Gates made a feeling reply.
On the return of Dr. Gates from the east, and of Mrs. Gates from Great Britain, whither she had gone to meet him, a welcome service was held on the evening of September 8th, when an informal address was presented. Dr. Gates in reply spoke at some length of his trip, especially of his experiences in the Holy Land. All were glad to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Gates back and to find them looking so well, and the opinion was expressed that as a result of his six months' vacation, the pastor had added more than as many years to his life.
Shortly after his return the pastor commenced a series of twelve sermons on the Holy Land. These were highly interesting and instructive, and the desire to hear them so general that the Church was packed to its utmost capacity and still many were unable to gain admission. At the close of the sermon on “The Holy City—Within the Walls,” Professor L. W. Titus sang very acceptably “The Holy City.”